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Sunday School Classes for Everyone
Growing in Grace
Teacher: Paul Diamond
Co-teachers: Ross Antonakos, Markol Allen
Room: 1550
Victory in Christ
Teacher: Thomas Neeley
Co-teachers: Ed Noisen, Bryan Hancock
Room: 1552
Every fourth Friday night of the month, unless cancelled, we have chapel services for the men at the Atlanta Union Mission at 7 P.M. Currently, Chris Galloway is preaching. Facilitators are needed for praise and worship, and leaders are needed for this ministry. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org
Every first Saturday of the month, unless cancelled, we have Open Air Preaching at Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Meet at the "Bronze Statue Man" at 2 P.M. Come help witness one-to-one, and pass out tracts in a family-friendly atmosphere. Bring water and wear a hat. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org
Salvation and the sovereignty of God are taught in the Bible from cover to cover. It is a faith issue. Regarding Calvinism, some people believe that a person has to be "regenerated" before they are saved. Some people believe in double predestination — meaning that some are doomed from the womb to the tomb, in a caste system, or some are destined for heaven and others are not. Some well-meaning Christians believe that a person is so "dead" that they can't discern Godly things or the difference between right and wrong. However, in regard to faith, the Bible states that God has given every man a conscience — the seat of reason between right and wrong (Romans 2:15). Since the Law is written on their hearts, they can understand how they are accused, and people all over the world are seeking how they can be acquitted. If man is so darkened in his mind about God, why are there over 6,500 religions finding varieties of ways to resolve their sin problem and bring members back to God? Why are all of those non-elect people desperately seeking God? God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. The truth is, there are some humble people seeking God who eventually realize that God intervened in humanity, getting their attention through signs, wonders and miracles. The reason for miracles, according to John 20:30-31, is so that man would believe and be saved. Realizing that they are sinners, in their "un-regenerate" state, their conscience bearing witness, God provided miracles, authenticating the prophets who bear witness of the one true Sin-Bearer Jesus Christ. Once a person realizes their sinful condition through the Law (Romans 7:7), and repents, and trusts in Christ, hearing the Gospel of their salvation, and believes, they are sealed with Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). It is then that they are regenerated by God. Without the Holy Spirit they are not one of His (Romans 8:9). Calvinists put regeneration before salvation. In other words, they are saved before they can be saved. Also, according to Calvinism, if a person is saved from the womb to heaven, what are the "elect" really saved from? Certainly not from the wrath of God. While saying that all men are saved by faith, they are really not saved from the wrath of God — ever. This is clearly not taught in the Bible.
I am not a Calvinist because I do not believe in limited atonement (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9). According to 1 John 2:2, Jesus died not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world. Will the whole world accept Christ? No. Only those who repent and trust in Christ. But God rendered all men savable. God gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud. It is a choice. It is an eternal covenant to enter into. You can accept the terms of the covenant, or reject the terms of the covenant, but you cannot alter the terms of the covenant. Once a person accepts the terms of the covenant by repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ, they are eternally secure, forever. Once saved, always saved (definitely not Armenian). It is a choice. Just as King David said to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
— Paul Diamond
Way of the Master Basic Training Evangelism Class
Who do you know who isn't saved? Where will they go if they die without Christ? In the eight-week "The Way of the Master" Basic Training Course, Paul Diamond and guest teachers (along with Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort on DVD), will teach you a powerful, effective way to make the Gospel make sense to those you care about. You won't be at a loss for words. You don't need to be an expert in apologetics. Just learn to bypass the intellect and speak directly to the conscience — the way Jesus did. This course will give you that extra bite in witnessing that you may be missing. Sign up today. Do it for someone you love.
Teachers: Chris Galloway, Kevin Greenberg
Dates: Wednesday evenings until March 26
Room 1360
Cost: $6
Way of the Master Basic Intermediate Evangelism Class
Based on the award-winning TV series "The Way of the Master" by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort, the Intermediate Level Training Course builds on the foundational teaching of the Basic Training Course. It is designed to further equip believers in a group setting to simply and confidently share the Gospel with family, friends and strangers. You do not need the Basic Training Course to benefit from this course. This course will teach you how to avoid the devastating pitfalls of producing false conversions. You will learn how to prove the existence of hell, and what to do when things go wrong. Discover how to witness to a family member or to someone who is gay, recognize subtle satanic doctrines, refute the theory of evolution, and prove the existence of God. Once you have experienced the exhilaration of sharing the Gospel, weekly homework assignments will teach you new life-changing practices that you can use to reach the lost.
Teachers: Paul Diamond, Ross Antonakos
Dates: Wednesday evenings until March 26
Room 2440
Cost: $6
Ministry Contacts
| Single Adult Minister |
Paul Diamond |
paul@fba.org |
770-234-8311 |
| Ministry Assistant |
Ashley Owens |
ashley@fba.org |
770-234-8215 |
| Activity Director |
Elaine Hall |
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| Director of Evangelism |
Ross Antonakos |
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| Hospitality |
Theresa Campbell |
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| Worship Coordinator |
Anne Martin |
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| World Missions Liaison |
Elaine Hall |
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Stone Mountain Picnic
Here's a glimpse of the fellowship and fun at our picnic at Stone Mountain Park on May 2, 2008.
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One Faith Outreach Ministries Inc.
Here at One Faith Outreach Ministries Inc., we are committed to serving God and giving individuals the opportunity to become equipped to care for their own spiritual and physical needs and to help them transition back into society as contributing Christians. Using faith-based principles of spirituality, we offer practical tools for leading a joyous, abundant and peaceful life.
Our faith- and character-based initiative is to reduce recidivism through utilizing other faith-based partnerships that will support the offender’s successful transition from incarceration to society. Wherever you may be on your spiritual path, with One Faith Outreach Ministries Inc. you will find a supportive community.
We aspire to strengthen each person's confidence and joy in Jesus Christ — at every point in their life — and encourage personal and spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, active service and fellowship.
We invite you to become a member of our outreach ministry, allowing God into your life through our various programs and community outreach efforts.
Friday Night Bible Study
Every second Friday of the month, unless cancelled, we have Bible study starting at 7 P.M. at the home of Ross Antonakos. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
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My Sister's House
Every fourth Saturday of the month, unless cancelled, we meet at 4:30 P.M. at 921 Howell Mill Road; Atlanta. For entrance to MSH to serve, go past the playground and enter through the glass door. Go to ground-level atrium. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
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Atlanta Union Mission (AUM) Homeless Outreach
Every third Saturday of the month, unless cancelled, we meet at 4 P.M. The address is 165 Alexander Street, Atlanta. From FBA, take I-85 south to I-75 / 85 south to Exit 249C, Williams Street (Georgia Dome — World Congress Center). At the first light, make a right onto Alexander Street. Go straight at the next light and you will see AUM on the right. Make a right into the parking lot. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
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4 Corners 4 Him Evangelistic Outreach
Every second Saturday of the month, unless cancelled, Chosen People has an evangelistic outreach, 4 Corners 4 Him, in front of Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta on the four corners of International and Peachtree streets. Either meet at 1 P.M. at the security entrance of FBA off Cotillion and take the FBA shuttle if available or carpool, or meet at the all-day $5 parking lot at Steak and Ale. From the church, take I-285 east to I-85 south. Get off at Courtland and go to Andrew Young International Boulevard. The all-day $5 parking lot at Steak and Ale will be on your right. Then walk to Peachtree Street. Tracts will be provided. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
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Chosen People Covered Dish
Chosen People Quarterly Covered Dish Luncheons are on the last Sunday of the month at 12:45 P.M. each quarter. Check the calendar for location. If you have a special dish you’d like to share, please bring it to church that Sunday. Most Chosen People attend the 9 A.M. worship service and bring hot food downstairs. Someone will be there to receive your dish or drinks and take it to a food warmer or refrigerator. There is also room for cold food in the refrigerator in the Chosen People assembly room. Please bring items before 9 A.M. because there are other classes at 9 A.M. Let’s make this a special time. Meat dishes, side dishes, breads, casseroles and desserts are needed. Please contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
Arbor Terrace Assisted Living Ministry Outreach
This outreach is on the first Saturday of the month. Arrival time is 10:30 A.M. for ministry and fellowship with the seniors. Service is at 11 A.M., out by 11:45 A.M. If you are planning to attend, please contact Paul at paul@fba.org The web address is www.arborterrace-decatur.com. Directions from the church: Take I-285 to Exit 39A (Decatur). After you exit you will be on Scott Boulevard. Turn left onto Church Street. Then turn left onto North Decatur Road. Turn right on Winn Way. Arbor Terrace is on the left (up on a hill); there is a large "Arbor Terrace" sign out by the street. (Note: If you get to the Regency you have just passed the Arbor Terrace entrance.) Take the elevator to the second floor, then turn right.
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Camino Estrecho — Spanish Community Evangelism
This outreach is at 6 P.M. Thursdays unless cancelled. Warm weather / no rainy days — in front of the Goodwill Shopping Center on Buford Highway and Briarcliff. Cold weather / rainy days — in front of Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway and Clairmont.
Requirements:
- Be available
- Be kind
- Be tenderhearted
- Be merciful as Jesus has shown us mercy
- Spanish speaking not required.
TNT (Tuesday Night Tracking)
Join Chris Galloway as he goes to various locations to do tract evangelism. Meet in the FBA parking lot at 5:30 P.M. and carpool to the location for evangelism. It is another great time to learn how to witness. Contact Paul at paul@fba.org.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
- Luke 15:7
I find this Scripture very motivating when thinking about the lost. Jesus is saying that there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. I am going to take this to a personal level for a minute. The word I want to look at is “rejoice.” I think we can see this word as almost like a celebration or a victory. Heaven is actually rejoicing over a person that repents. Isn't that really neat? Heaven is not a sterile or somber place; there is an actual party going on for a person who repents. I am sure many of you reading this have been to a big sporting event where someone wins the game and everyone hoots and hollers over a person scoring a game-winning touchdown or homerun. It is an exhilarating experience, to say the least. For a few minutes you feel like you could fly. I remember to this day when Sid Bream slid into home base and helped the Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates. I couldn't talk well the next day because of all the yelling I had done when he scored the winning run. Now that was for something that is temporary. Can you imagine what is going on in heaven when a person repents? I would like to take a peek at that celebration. Think about this for a moment. How awesome would it be to throw the pass that wins the Super Bowl? It would be pretty cool, to say the least. The fans going crazy, the trips to Disneyland, etc. How, then, would it be to throw the tract to someone who reads it and repents? I am not talking about a 50,000-seat stadium celebrating; I am talking about heaven celebrating. Wow, think about that for a second! That makes you want to run out and throw tracts to everyone you see. How amazing is it that the Jesus lets us be a part of that?
Fourth Annual Sister Day at FBA -- Sunday, June 22, 2008
Take the opportunity to host a woman from My Sister's House (the women and children’s shelter of the Atlanta Union Mission) on Sunday, June 22 during the church and lunch hour.
Participation means signing up on Sunday morning in Chosen People, Room 1550, and sponsoring a sister for the day. This includes a motorcoach ride from My Sister's House to FBA, and a luncheon in the sisters' honor.
When signing up, please make your ***$15 check*** payable to FBA / Chosen People to help cover the cost of the event. If time and your schedule are factors, donations are accepted and appreciated. If cost is a factor, please contact either Judy Hawkins or Judy Schrock.
The time commitment is from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. on Sister Day.
For more information, contact Paul at paul@fba.org or simply see Judy Hawkins or Judy Schrock in Chosen People, Room 1550.
If you like to sponsor a sister for this event, please click here.
Anne Martin’s Challenge
Dear Chosen People and Friends of Chosen People:
Anne Martin is a member of First Baptist Atlanta and the Chosen People Sunday School Department. She is also the worship coordinator in Chosen People and serves in the First Baptist Atlanta Sanctuary Choir. Anne has a heart for God and others that far surpasses her beautiful voice. When you hear her, you will understand why the congregation of First Baptist Atlanta and Pastor Charles Stanley give her standing ovations when she sings. They applaud not only her brilliantly clear soprano voice but the motive for why she sings: to honor and glorify her Jesus. While she has been unable to see since birth, Anne clearly sees her Savior when she sings. Listen to Anne. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty, power and clarity of her voice — and the strength of caring and conviction that is behind it.
Anne is blind, and of course there are certain challenges being blind. One of Anne Martin’s challenges is getting to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as traveling to doctor’s appointments and shopping, etc.
In the past she has had faithful friends who committed to pick her up and drive her where she needed to go. One of her close and committed friends has just moved, and you can only imagine the challenge Anne has in getting to church, events and appointments.
A dear friend of Anne’s has already put some money in an account for her at Buckhead Safety Cab Company. Would you consider contributing money to add to that account? If there were an emergency where no one could provide Anne with time or travel, all Anne would have to do is call up the Buckhead Safety Cab company, and her ride would already be paid for.
If you call Buckhead Safety Cab, you would just need to tell them you want to add some money to the account that has already been set up for Anne Martin. The contact number for the Buckhead Safety Cab is 404-875-3777.
This would be good for people to contribute if they're not available to drive Anne, but could add whatever amount they can to the account. If you can’t contribute, you can pray, and spread the word ...
Email her: amartin@negia.net
Thank-you for helping.
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